In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that Congress did not grant the EPA the authority to devise carbon emissions caps for power plants that would shift the way they generate energy away from coal. The case, West Virginia vs. EPA, is unusual in that it centers around the 2015 Clean Power Plan that never went into effect. The Obama administration plan was blocked in court and subsequent Trump administration plan struck down. The Biden administration has yet to release a new power sector regulation, and this decision impacts any such regulation as the EPA is no longer allowed to compel power plants to switch their energy generation from coal to natural gas, wind turbines, or solar energy.
This decision, while limiting how the EPA can use its authority to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, has no effect on current EPA regulation of aftermarket performance products or mobile source emissions. It could have future implications for how much authority government agencies have to enact substantial policy without congressional approval.
The Supreme Court ruling restricts the EPA’s authority to regulate emissions controls to individual power plants rather than regulating the sector as a whole. The EPA had claimed it had this power under the Clean Air Act, while the Supreme Court ruled that Congress would need to explicitly direct the EPA to take this action. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion that “It is not plausible that Congress gave EPA the authority to adopt on its own such a regulatory scheme”.
For further details, contact Daniel Ingber at danieli@sema.org.
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
AccuTune Off-road Inc. is looking for a Sales Manager or Sales Director to join the team. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of sales experience, and at least five years experience managing an inside sales team or as a store manager in the automotive industry. Experience managing employees, cultivating a team environment, and motivating them to achieve sales and customer service goals is required.
Power Automedia, a leading digital media company in the automotive industry, has an opening for an Automotive Editor, Diesel Army (www.DieselArmy.com). Looking for a passionate and knowledgeable diesel truck expert with a strong basis in writing and photography. This position is based in Temecula (Murrieta), California, with a hybrid in-office schedule, but also open to remote applications.
Technician is responsible for installation of aftermarket accessories, including lift and leveling kits; alignments; mount and balance wheels and tires; bed covers; grille guards; bumper replacements; winch and winch Mounts; cab lighting; LED lighting; all hitch types (Goosenecks, Fifth Wheel and Receiver); step bars; toolboxes; cargo management systems; fiberglass products, etc.
Photos courtesy SpiedBilde, Brian Williams. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.
’23 Land Rover Defender 130
Land Rover will expand the Defender lineup next year with the introduction of the extended-wheelbase 130 variant, which has been spotted on Nürburgring.
It is positioned as the “premium explorer” of the Defender range, while the entry-level 90 is the “halo, image icon” and the 110 is the “definitive Defender.” The 130 is therefore likely to command a substantial price premium over the other Defender models and may be available in top-end trim levels only.
The Defender 130 is expected to receive the full raft of diesel and gas powertrains, including the P300e PHEV option and the hot, 550hp supercharged V8, as seen in these pictures.
’24 Chevrolet Silverado HD
Here are two prototypes of the upcoming Silverado HD dually. One (towing via a hitch) appears to be a lower-end model, while the other (towing via a gooseneck) is a High Country trim. The Silverado’s refresh will bring an updated exterior design, a new cabin and new powertrain bits that offer more power and torque.
Sources confirmed that the 6.6L Duramax V8 will make at least 500 hp and 1,000 lbs.-ft. of torque, which is a substantial upgrade compared to the current specs of 445 hp and 910 lb.-ft. of torque.
Expect an official debut this fall.
Next-Gen Cadillac CT6
This is the next-generation Cadillac CT6 undergoing testing in Michigan. The prototype appears to be the same general size as the current model but with key updates to the exterior, including new a roofline treatment and body panels.
According to a 2019 report by enthusiast website GM Authority, the next-gen CT6 is assigned program code 7ESL, meaning that it will move to the VSS-R platform. The website reported that the next-gen model is destined for the Chinese market, but its presence in the U.S. market is still unclear with the discontinuation of the CT6 in North America after the ’20 model year.
Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) announced that Ray Polentz was promoted to senior director of supply chain and logistics. He will report to Yokohama President and CEO Jeff Barna. Polentz, who works out of YTC headquarters in Santa Ana, California, joined Yokohama in October 2017 as regional distribution center manager. He was promoted to director of distribution operations in July 2018. Before joining Yokohama, Polentz had more than 15 years of supply chain and logistics experience. He previously held senior positions at JCPenney as well as Stein Mart in both operational and transportation roles.
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) announced the recent hire of John Keller as sales and marketing representative. Keller will join the RRMCI West Coast sales team. Keller began his career in the aftermarket with Goodguys Rod & Custom in 2009. Twelve years later, he moved to Arizona, where he worked as a sales manager for an aftermarket billet company.
Hyundai Motorsport announced a change to its senior management, with Sean (Seon-Pyung) Kim taking over the role of president. He replaces outgoing President Scott Noh, who is set to take up a new position at Hyundai Motor Company in Korea. During Noh’s tenure, Hyundai Motorsport secured consecutive world titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (2019 and 2020) and the FIA World Touring Car Cup (2018 and 2019).
Fullbay, a turnkey platform designed to improve the operational efficiency of heavy-duty repair shops, acquired Dieselmatic Digital Inc., a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on diesel repair shops. The acquisition layers the digital marketing services of Dieselmatic onto the shop management software Fullbay already offers in order to help drive demand for repair shop businesses.
World Products appointed Lance Stillwell as its director of operations. Stillwell will oversee the development and manufacturing of World Products’ engine blocks and cylinder heads. In 1997, Stillwell founded parts provider and engine builder Motorsports Unlimited in Terre Haute, Indiana. Today, he has more than 25 years of engine machining experience and in-depth knowledge of World Products’ product line, the company stated.
Wheel Pros, backed by Clearlake Capital Group LP and in partnership with management, announced that it acquired TeraFlex, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket suspensions, shocks and other components for automotive and off-roading enthusiasts. TeraFlex operates three domestic U.S. facilities.
Hemmings announced that President Jonathan Shaw appointed Douglas R. Glad as head of editorial. Terry McGean, who had acted as editor-in-chief since 2005, will remain at the company in an editorial capacity. Glad’s employment will commence this month. Glad has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive publishing industry.
DENSO Products and Services Americas Inc., an affiliate of DENSO Corp., promoted Reggie Cruz to director of corporate planning and Manny Rodriguez to senior manager of product development. Cruz, who has been with DENSO for more than 16 years, is now responsible for overseeing business and corporate planning, financial services and new-business strategy development. Rodriguez, who has been with DENSO more than 22 years, is responsible for collaborating with DENSO’s engineering, procurement and supply chain teams on product development.
Reggie Cruz
Manny Rodriguez
PFC Brakes announced the promotion of Luis Maurel to the role of director of global motorsports. Maurel will manage the company’s race department and help expand into sports cars and other professional motorsports segments across the world, the company stated. He will also manage PFC Brakes’ involvement as providers for racing series, including the NTT IndyCar Series, the Superstar Racing Experience and the Renault Sport Series.
Senior business executive and sales professional Devron Jeffers returned to Speedway Motorsports as vice president of business development for the company’s
national sales team, as announced by Speedway Motorsports Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer Kevin Camper. Jeffers will be based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and will focus on national sales opportunities for companies headquartered in Texas and the central United States.
Race Winning Brands Inc. (RWB), a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, announced the acquisition of PAC Racing Springs (PAC), a manufacturer of high-performance valve springs serving the automotive and powersports performance and racing aftermarket. PAC represents the ninth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands. RWB also announced the acquisition of RevMax, TransGo and Transmission Specialties Inc. (TSI).
SEMA Industry Report: Specialty-Equipment Sales Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels
Consumer demand for automotive specialty-equipment parts has exceeded pre-pandemic levels for a majority of companies, according to the latest SEMA “State of the Industry Report.”
The automotive specialty-equipment industry continues to experience strong growth and demand as the United States puts COVID-19 in the rearview mirror. According to SEMA’s new “State of the Industry—Spring 2022” report, 75% of manufacturers, 68% of distributors and 53% of retailers/installers report that sales are currently above where they were prior to the pandemic, and consumer demand is equally higher for most companies than it was in 2019.
Additional key findings from the report include:
More than half of companies expect sales to continue to grow in the coming year.
Supply-chain issues remain a challenge for more than 90% of the industry, and most don’t see things returning to normal until at least 2023.
The current inflation rate of 8.5% is the highest it has been in 40 years, yet consumers continue to spend.
Amid record consumer demand, 70% of manufacturers, 56% of distributors and 45% of retail installers have had difficulty filling open positions due to a shortage of qualified applicants to hire.
For more details, see our coverage starting on page 34. The complete “State of the Industry” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research.
BMW Invests in Smart Technologies to Identify Counterfeit Parts
Counterfeit auto parts are a growing challenge for the aftermarket, but cloud-based smart technologies may soon provide a solution.
Counterfeit automotive parts are a growing problem confronting the specialty-equipment aftermarket. They’re also a huge global business. A recent estimate from the U.S. Department of Commerce puts the value of trafficking in fake parts at some $45 billion annually. The problem becomes even more acute in the online retail arena; according to Amazon, the company confiscated more than two million counterfeit products in 2020 alone. But a potential solution may soon be at hand.
BMW iVentures, the investment arm of BMW, has made a substantial investment in a company that uses what it calls “digital fingerprinting” technology to detect fake parts. Altheon, a technology company based in Washington state, uses its proprietary FeaturePrint software and cloud computing capabilities to compile a database of legitimate production parts, which can then be used to compare to parts of unknown origin. With a single camera image, retailers and distributors can know whether the parts they are being sold are in fact legitimate or counterfeit.
For the present, Altheon operates in only the B2B and B2C realms, but it aims to make its software available to the public in the future via a downloadable smartphone app. More information is available at www.altheon.com.
Registration Open for SEMA Nordic Trip
The Nordic region hosts a thriving automotive enthusiast scene. Join SEMA this summer for the inaugural SEMA Nordic trip.
Join SEMA on the first SEMA Nordic trip, August 24–28, in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants will learn the potential for their products in this performance and classic-car paradise. Meet with top trade buyers enabling the half-century-old craze in Sweden and the surrounding countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark to restore and upgrade American classic cars. Trade buyers are expected from throughout Europe.
Performance is among the top upgrades sought for a range of vehicles. The region hosts the headquarters of the European drag-racing championship, and rally racing and drifting also have their passionate fans. High disposable income and a love of American vehicles and products, coupled with a passion for personalization, make this an attractive region.
The SEMA Nordic trip is the fifth region for the popular SEMA Business Development Programs. These low-cost, turnkey overseas events bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key global markets. The price of the upcoming trip includes hotel accommodations, a table-top display, meals and networking events. Prices start at $3,860 per company, not including flights to/from the United States (for qualified companies taking the instant $1,200 U.S. government grant).
More information is available at www.sema.org/nordic, or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call.
Goodyear to Develop Domestic Source of Natural Rubber
Goodyear announced a partnership with the U.S. Defense Department and other government agencies to develop a domestic source of rubber from a species of dandelion.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced a multi-year, multi-million-dollar program supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Air Force Research Lab and BioMade to work with Ohio-based Farmed Materials to develop a domestic source of natural rubber from a specific species of dandelion.
Natural rubber has been classified as a strategic raw material that serves as a critical ingredient in military, aircraft and truck tires. Today, more than 90% of the world’s natural rubber is made from latex derived from rubber trees and is primarily sourced from tropical locations outside of the United States.
The program will build on research that analyzed more than 2,500 species of plants but found only a few with properties suitable for use in tires. Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a species of dandelion known as TKS, is a proven alternative to natural rubber trees. Farmed Materials has shown positive results in pilot programs for TKS, yielding strong harvests that necessitate the need for additional funding.
While rubber trees typically take seven years to produce the latex needed for rubber production, dandelions can be harvested every six months. TKS dandelions are also resilient and can grow in non-tropical climates. If additional testing provides promising results, Goodyear sees potential for use in all tire applications.
SEMA Market Research Reveals an Industry Primed for Steady Growth in 2023
By Mike Imlay
Despite the many recent economic disruptions, the aftermarket continues to see growth and strong demand. The Spring 2022 “SEMA State of the Industry Report” is designed to help specialty automotive businesses grasp the current landscape and make sound market decisions.
With the final quarter of 2022 approaching and the pandemic largely receding, there’s good economic news for the aftermarket. According to recently released SEMA market research, the automotive specialty-equipment industry continues to enjoy strong growth and is well positioned for the coming year. That and other key takeaways can be found in the “State of the Industry—Spring 2022” report, now available for free download at www.sema.org/market-research.
The 71-page report is designed to help aftermarket operations make better business decisions based on current trends, business metrics and estimates on how sales have changed over the last year. Brimming with fresh data, the report closely examines the ongoing supply-chain disruptions vexing many organizations. In addition, it takes a “pulse check” on industry businesses, along with consumers in general, as they navigate economic uncertainty and significant price hikes on many goods
and services.
While the COVID situation continues to improve, lingering supply issues and inflation are dampening consumer views of the economy and their financial situations. So far, however, this is not slowing spending, which in turn is revving the economy and prices.
Perhaps most noteworthy, 75% of industry manufacturers, 68% of distributors and 53% of retailers/installers surveyed for the report indicated that sales are now above pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, consumer demand has remained robust for most companies. Amid this strong growth, however, the industry faces headwinds from ongoing supply-chain issues, inflation, economic uncertainty, and the war in Ukraine. Among the report’s other findings:
More than half of industry companies expect continued sales growth in the coming year.
Supply-chain issues remain a challenge for more than 90% of the industry, and most businesses don’t expect a return to normal until at least 2023.
The current inflation rate of 8.5% (as of March 2022) is the highest it has been in 40 years, yet consumers continue to spend.
Despite gas prices being up more than 40% on average from last year, 80% of Americans are still planning road trips this summer.
Amid record consumer demand, 70% of manufacturers, 56% of distributors and 45% of retail installers have had difficulty filling open positions due to a shortage of qualified applicants.
“I think the biggest takeaway from our research is that companies are saying the demand for their products is greater now than it was in 2019,” said SEMA Market Research Manager Kyle Cheng. “Essentially, we’re looking at industry businesses doing better than they were before the pandemic.”
Unlike the massive sales frenzy that marked the peak of the pandemic, however, the growth going forward is shaping up as calmer and steadier.
“When we looked at how sales performed over the last year, we saw a lot of disruption, both in terms of record sales and then declines,” Cheng explained. “Now sales have started to flatten, and we’re getting back to more normal operations overall, with most companies saying that sales are good, business is good, and things are looking up.”
“When COVID kicked in, it looked like it was going to be really bad times for our industry and the economy overall, but it turned out to be just the opposite,” observed Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research. “In fact, these last two years have been really good for a big chunk of our industry.”
Knapp pointed to the industry’s manufacturing segment as particularly benefiting from heightened consumer demand.
“That said, some retail businesses did suffer hurt,” he noted. “There are also some warning signs as we look forward, both in terms of the general economy and specifically looking at the supply chain.”
Expectations for Sales Over Coming Year
The disruptions of the pandemic are starting to flatten, slowing runaway business growth to normal levels. The good news is the industry is still experiencing overall growth, which is bringing optimism for the year ahead.
In regard to demand for aftermarket products, three-quarters of surveyed manufacturers said that sales were better than in 2019, with nearly just as many (74%) reporting the same about consumer demand in general. In addition, 46% said their production levels were also better than in 2019. By contrast, only 35% said their employment levels were better. Finally, just 12% characterized their inventory and supply chains as improved over the same period.
Retailers and installers were somewhat more muted in their responses. On average, 53% said sales and consumer demand were better than in 2019. Even fewer (15%) reported their employment levels as exceeding those of 2019, and only 9% said that inventory and supply-chain conditions have gotten better since then.
Still, such figures represent a healthy reversal from the industry-wide shock brought by the early pandemic.
“Many of the companies that were disrupted by the pandemic—especially retailers—are reporting much less significant sales declines now,” Cheng observed. “In spring of this year, 19% of retailers said that they were experiencing declines. That’s a huge drop from the 41% who reported declines back in the fall of 2020.”
The report also pays considerable attention to broader consumer expenditures and their implications for the aftermarket. It finds that, even amid ongoing economic uncertainty, consumers continue to spend at high levels. Fueled by low unemployment, demand for products and services throughout the American economy remains strong. However, inflation and other factors are expected to tap the brakes and pull consumer demand back to more normal levels going into 2023.
“We’ve run out of government stimuluses,” Knapp explained. “Savings rates have come down, which means people will likely have less money to spend over this year than they did over the last two years. So while things are really good right now, and we’re certainly not looking at a collapse, there are some signs that we might see some real slowing going forward.”
One mitigating factor may be gas prices, which had soared to a national average of $4.20 per gallon by April of this year. So far, motorists appear to be taking the hike in stride. According to surveys, only 10% of them are extremely concerned about the rising costs at the pump. The vast majority are slightly (33%), somewhat (21%) or moderately (18%) concerned. Moreover, freed from pandemic constraints, roughly four out of five Americans are planning road trips this summer, many for significant distances.
“The national average for gasoline right now is insane, considering it usually is about half that of current levels,” Cheng said. “Despite that, consumers are holding on to some lingering habits of the pandemic. People still feel safer traveling by their cars, especially with airline tickets getting more expensive. Travelers are looking at their situations and figuring out what’s best for them, and that usually means driving.”
Perhaps a bigger question for consumers is what they’ll be driving.
“Right now, goods are obviously expensive, and inflation is at a record high, which affects things related to our industry like used-car prices,” Cheng said. “They were up 35% over 2021 as of March 2022, and new vehicles were up 12.5%.”
Several factors have played into surging car prices. At the pandemic’s beginning, major OEMs slowed production or shut down assembly lines completely, at times furloughing workers. Although the closures were short-lived, they were enough to send automakers into a game of catch-up to meet unexpected demand. In addition, chip and other raw materials shortages have stymied production and pushed new-vehicle costs upward. That, in turn, has driven the value of older models to unprecedented levels. Consequently, many consumers are delaying vehicle purchases of all types.
New Light-Vehicle Inventory in the United States
Due to supply-chain issues and chip shortages, among other factors, new-vehicle availability remains extremely tight. This will undoubtedly slow the rate of new-vehicle accessorization but may simultaneously increase the accessorization of older models.
“That brings up the supply chain—the next big thing relating to the economy and our industry,” Cheng said. “We surveyed industry companies and got a lot of detail on the situation. More than 90% are saying that they’re being affected moderately to severely by the supply-chain crunch. Sales are up, but it’s really hard for companies to keep up with demand due to production delays and the inability to get raw components or even the products themselves. Retailers also say they can’t keep up with demand and keep inventory full.”
Although supply-chain issues show every indication of easing over time, most industry businesses are tempering their expectations.
“When we ask companies about their outlook for supply-chain disruption, most think it will bleed into next year,” Cheng said. “Depending on whether they’re manufacturers or retailers, between 48% to 63% of companies expect the disruption to last until 2023 or later. But there’s also a good chunk that just don’t know. Continued consumer demand just makes the whole problem worse because it keeps cycling.”
“Companies are taking a lot of steps in response to the supply-chain issues,” Knapp added. “They’re bulking up their own internal capabilities for things such as manufacturing and even their inventory-holding capacities. They’re diversifying their supplier lists so that they have more opportunities. Some companies are even looking to source more from domestic suppliers rather than overseas suppliers. They’re finding ways to improve their business while also improving their ability to get through this crunch.”
Hand in hand with stubborn supply-chain tangles, both the industry and consumers will have to contend with persistent inflation as they enter 2023.
How company sales have changed over the past 12 months
Without minimizing the hurt that some aftermarket businesses definitely felt, most industry companies reported increased sales numbers over the past year. What’s more, demand for specialty automotive products remains significant.
“Inflation is at a record high,” Cheng explained. “It was 8.5% in March, and the biggest contributors to that happen to be factors that tangentially relate to our industry. It’s weighing on consumers’ minds, even if they do continue to spend a lot of money.”
Aftermarket businesses will also face a labor shortage for the foreseeable future—a double-edged sword that is sustaining consumer demand for product while simultaneously raising business costs.
“We’re really in a state of full employment,” Knapp said. “Anybody who wants a job right now has a job, which means people have steady sources of income and will be looking for outlets to do things.”
On the other hand, Cheng said, “Companies can’t find enough employees to keep up with demand. They need to hire, and they’re having trouble hiring, including in our industry.”
As of May, inflation, supply-chain snags, labor shortages and the war in Europe were raising the specter of a possible recession, but Cheng noted that the economic factors at play today are unlike those that preceded the Great Recession of 2008.
What Segments Does The Industry View as Having the Most Opportunity
Specialty-equipment companies are finding significant business opportunities across a variety of segments. Among these, the off-road and musclecar categories especially stand out.
“No one can ever really know for sure, but based on the sources we consult, a recession is not on the radar—at least not in the short term,” he said.
In fact, Knapp believes that the real story going into 2023 is one of resilience and optimism.
“The interesting thing is that if you looked at April 2020, when things collapsed, and into the summer of 2020, we were all expecting our industry to drop overall,” he explained. “But by the time the end of that year came around, the script had flipped and sales were going gangbusters. Through 2020, we actually ended up right where we would have expected without the disruption.
“At this point in time, our industry is feeling really good in terms of sales and consumer demand, and while we definitely see some potential difficulties ahead, there’s still a general expectation that things will remain good.”
Stay on the Growth Curve
As the industry moves beyond the pandemic, economic trends information is more vital than ever for business planning. For your free download of the 71-page “SEMA State of the Industry Report—Spring 2022,” visit the SEMA Market Research webpage at www.sema.org/market-research.
While there, be sure to also check out the monthly “SEMA Industry Indicators Reports” for regularly updated economic data affecting the aftermarket.
U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast Light-Duty Vehicles, Millions of Units
Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) are the fastest-selling and most common vehicle on the road in the United States today. At the end of 2021, they represented 24% of all registered passenger vehicles, and are projected to represent almost half of all new vehicles sold by 2029. They’re also a significant part of the specialty-equipment aftermarket, accounting for more than $7.7 billion in specialty parts sales in 2020. While they are a very diverse segment, there’s plenty of opportunity to be found for specialty-equipment businesses, including a growing off-road niche.
2020 Product Types Purchased for CUVs Off-Road vs. Non-Off-Road
One niche to watch within the CUV segment is off-roading. While CUVs are perhaps less likely to be used as hardcore off-road vehicles, CUVs intended for off-road use tend to receive heavier modifications than others—making them a great sales opportunity.
2020 Aftermarket Sales Estimates by Vehicle Segment
CUVs account for a significant share of specialty-equipment retail sales, with consumers spending $7.7 billion on parts for these vehicles in 2020. While it remains to be seen the extent to which these vehicles are embraced by enthusiasts, the segment is definitely an emerging opportunity.
Part of the SEMA Show preparation process for many exhibiting companies includes identifying which products they will enter into the New Products Showcase. As the number-one destination at the SEMA Show, the New Products Showcase provides companies with an opportunity to highlight their latest offerings and generate foot traffic to their booths.
Exhibitors that participate in the New Products Showcase also have a chance of winning a Best New Products award. These awards are given to the most cutting-edge automotive aftermarket products based on a variety of factors, including superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal, and marketability.
The following is a sample of the different media that wrote about new products at the 2021 SEMA Show.
MOTOR TREND
Editor K.J. Jones ensures that he spends some time in the New Products Showcase every year. In his article highlighting 15 top new products at the 2021 SEMA Show, he wrote, “The New Products Showcase is one of the most important areas at the SEMA Show. It’s an area you do not want to miss.”
CarAUDIONOW
Brian Jones’ SEMA 2021 coverage included a report on the Best New Products Award winners in the Mobile Electronics category. His article highlighted Sony’s winning product as well as products from Cube Tracker and Vias Technology, which were runners-up.
“It won’t be long before SEMA Shows are filled with speakerless immersive systems and more AI,” he wrote.
REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
Dana Caldwell’s article on Keco winning the Best New Products-Collision Repair & Refinish award included coverage of Keco President Chris White’s acceptance speech.
“To be voted as the best new product is truly something that so many have put effort into at Keco,” White said.
Drift Spec Nissan Z
@Chris Forsberg got his hands on a ’23 Nissan Z and made it into a drift car. Debuting at @Formula DRIFT Streets of Long Beach, SEMA caught up with Chris to see what he did and what the aftermarket might want to consider.
F-150 Lightning Rolls Into SEMA Garage
For the first time in SEMA Garage history, they hosted a measuring session featuring an electric vehicle: the F-150 Lightning. Luis Morales, director of vehicle technology, talks us through it.
Fredric Aasbø Shares Why Supra Is Built For Tuning
Reigning @Formula DRIFT Champion Fredric Aasbø talks about his Toyota Supra and why it is built for tuning.
Faces in the Crowd
Bri Lynch
@helmethairr
Lynch is a 26-year-old professional stunt driver, business owner and hobby mechanic. Working on the big screen since 2014, Lynch has more than 50 film and TV credits under her belt. In addition to her driving adventures, Lynch is behind Chasing Checkers Racing, an enthusiast brand creating unity in motorsports. You can follow along as she tears down, rebuilds and races her own project cars—especially the Nissan Z.
Brooke Berini
@brookeberini
Berini is a builder, racer and influencer known as the “Alpha Princess” and you can’t miss her hot-pink ’09 GT-R. Brooke is a huge advocate for female empowerment in the automotive industry and uses her platforms to highlight women in motorsports and share opportunities for young girls to become involved in the industry. With one of the fastest female-driven GT-Rs in the world, she loves to share her partners’ newest products and upgrades to stay on the top of import drag racing.
Kyle Kuhnhausen
@kckuhnhausen
Kuhnhausen is a familiar face with SEMA and its Battle of the builders program, being named Top Young Gun in 2018, Top 3 Hot Rod placement in 2020, and our Young Guns judge at the 2021 SEMA Show. Since his SEMA debut, Kuhnhausen has dedicated his social platforms to promoting his own business, Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts, and documenting his future SEMA builds while highlighting brand partners. Kuhnhausen does an incredible job of incorporating his audience into his builds so make sure you’re following along.
Garrett Reed
@americanmusclehd
Reed is one of the most recognizable names on social media with more than 2.2 million followers, sharing all things automotive to connect builders and enthusiasts to show what is happening worldwide in the automotive community. He is focused on what the future holds and how he can contribute to the next generation to support the automotive industry, frequently appearing on SEMA programming like Young Guns Takeover and FLN’s Live Chats.
HEARD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
“SEMA’s annual New Product Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive specialty-equipment market at #SEMA2021.”—Racing Equipment News, via Twitter
“Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. swept the Best New Products Awards in the tire categories at the 2021 SEMA Show.”—TireBusiness, via Facebook
“SEMA announced its Best New Products Award winners Tuesday. In the Performance-Street Product category, the winner was the ZZ632/1000 Crate Engine by General Motors.”—Vette Vues Magazine, via Twitter
“We are checking out some of the new off-road and 4WD products at SEMA.”—Gone-Gpn, via Facebook
The SEMA Board of Directors approved the council concept in 1993, elevating the status of three committees: the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the Street Rod Market Alliance (SRMA), now the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA). SEMA then hired its first council director. There are now nine councils and networks and three SEMA council directors.
Denise Waddingham
Each director pursued a different career pathway. Collectively, they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to their roles. Nicole Bradle has 20-plus years of association management experience. Marcy Yanus, the newest team member, came from the nonprofit sector. Industry veteran Denise Waddingham once served as a SEMA volunteer leader.
What led them to shift gears and join the organization? These are their stories.
The Pull of Volunteers
Nicole Bradle serves as SEMA’s liaison to the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). She’s a certified meeting planner, certified association executive and recipient of the Association Forum’s 40 Under 40 Award. While earning a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, she became interested in meeting planning.
“I liked planning events and started out as a conference manager, where I learned about conference and association management,” she said.
She later served as executive director for up to nine subspecialties at the American Society of Anesthesiologists and, more recently, was member relations director for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In spring 2020, Bradle was working from home during the pandemic when Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership, reached out after seeing her association experience online.
“I wasn’t looking for a new job,” she recalled. “Nathan was looking for a new council director and recruited me because of my association background. I know nothing about cars but what pulled me in was working with volunteers. That’s my passion.
“My groups are animated and passionate about helping to make a difference. The SEMA team I work with has great ideas and works hard on solutions to help members. It’s been an amazing two years.”
From Volunteer to Director
Denise Waddingham was chair-elect of SBN when Ridnouer asked for her advice.
“He wanted to know what type of person he should hire as council director,” she recalled. “I jokingly said I could work for him remotely. I didn’t think it would go anywhere.”
It did. She started in May 2020, working with PRO, the Future Leaders Network (FLN) and the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA). Waddingham had worked for Dee Zee for 15 years. She started there after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa and was corporate relations manager, so moving to SEMA wasn’t a snap decision.
“It took some soul searching,” she said. “My entire career has been in the industry. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, but I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it weren’t for Dee Zee.”
She credits Dee Zee’s Troy Wirtz and Les Rudd of Bob Cook Sales.
“Troy was active in SEMA,” she said. “He and Rose Kawasaki encouraged me to get involved in SBN. Les nominated me for the Custom Automotive Network Board. I ran, was elected, and it was a good experience. I got to see the association side I hadn’t seen as a volunteer. It helped me move into staff with an understanding of how associations work to benefit their members. It also helps that I came from the volunteer side. I can see things from their standpoint and help move projects to fruition. It’s exciting and very gratifying.”
The Perfect Fit
Marcy Yanus grew up around cars. Her dad’s shop restores antique and classic car engines. He’s a former Formula V race-car driver, and she used to time races. Although immersed in car culture, she followed a very different path. After graduating from John Carroll University, Yanus worked for a public relations firm and a TV station.
“I wanted more of a team atmosphere, and I found that in the nonprofit sector,” she said.
She landed her first position as membership director at a Cleveland-area YMCA. Over the years, Yanus held executive positions throughout the United States and worked with YMCA’s international partners. She also led courses on leadership and fundraising. Most recently, she was vice president of operations, managing a group of YMCAs in Columbus, Ohio, but the pandemic gave Yanus time for reflection.
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
ARMO Hot Products Showcase Shines at Spring Carlisle
Spring Carlisle showgoers browse dozens of ARMO-member products at the Hot Products Showcase.
Overcast skies and the chance of April showers did little to dampen the excitement at this year’s Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet, where hordes of enthusiasts gathered at the sprawling Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania to celebrate car culture.
For the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), Spring Carlisle signals the opportunity to present its popular Hot Products Showcase. An exclusive ARMO-member benefit, the Showcase provides a premier platform for members to spotlight their hottest products and vie for awards in five categories.
As in past years, the Showcase tent was situated between the grandstands and the event stage. The high-traffic spot ensured that enthusiasts would pass through during the four-day event to view the displays, vote for favorite products and learn how SEMA and ARMO help to preserve and perpetuate the restoration hobby and the industry.
In the run up to the event, ARMO Chair Ben Tucker said signups were running ahead of prior years, with a goal of securing about 50 companies and 100
products.
“Carlisle is always a huge success for ARMO, and I know it’s going to be a great event,” Tucker said.
On the Legislative Front
“It is absolutely good news,” Tucker said when queried about the recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ruling that allows for small-volume automakers to build and sell turnkey vehicles.
In finalizing the regulation, NHTSA greenlit the SEMA-led Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. The act, which actually became law in 2015 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, enables replicar businesses to build and market replicas of vehicles produced at least 25 years ago. Production is limited to 325 vehicles per year.
“SEMA applauds NHTSA’s final rule allowing companies to market classic-themed cars,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Daniel Ingber. “This is a hard-fought victory for enthusiasts, small-volume manufacturers and all who will be hired to fill new jobs.”
In recalling his experiences at SEMA’s rallies in Washington, D.C., Tucker noted that the replicar issue was a hot topic for ARMO.
“Even though the law had already been passed, it was in limbo so, of course, it was an important issue for our members,” he said. “SEMA did great work in getting it done. Many of the companies we do business with will now have a chance to sell parts to manufacturers that build replicars. It’s a real boon to the restoration industry.”
“The great thing about SEMA’s emissions-compliance program is that it makes it easy to achieve compliance.”
—John Lambert
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
ETTN Stages Career Fair, Revs Up Tech Symposium
Society of Automotive Engineers students at the SEMA Garage on April 3, in Diamond Bar, California, during a recent Networking Event and Career Fair.
The Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) recently co-hosted the SAE/SEMA Garage Career Fair on April 3. The event, a joint venture between SEMA, ETTN and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), was held in Diamond Bar, California.
The program was designed to connect SEMA members, SAE board members and other industry professionals with university students who are part of formula and Baja SAE competition teams. The competitions challenge students to design, fabricate and compete with formula-style race cars.
Besides networking and a close-up look at resources available through the SEMA Garage, the program included a career fair that allowed companies to recruit future graduates. The students also had a chance to gain feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations in advance of the forthcoming SAE competitions.
“The event was a collaborative effort between SEMA and SAE,” said ETTN Immediate Past Chair Ian Lehn, who spearheaded the project on behalf of the network. “It was refreshing to see the two organizations focus on the future of the next generation.
“To have an opportunity to interact with people in our industry at this level was invaluable. We want these students to see how cool we are and that we do a lot of cool stuff. Credit goes to Mike Spagnola (SEMA CEO) and Luis Morales (SEMA director of vehicle technology) for making us look as cool as we did at this event. To secure the future of our industry, we need to push the boundaries of technology. We have to cultivate the next generation and let them know that there’s an exciting future with our member companies.”
Tools, Technology and Knowledge to Advance Careers
Calling all automotive engineers, programmers and product developers! ETTN’s inaugural NERD Symposium debuts at the SEMA Garage in Detroit on Tuesday, August 16. The multi-day, multi-faceted event—whose acronym stands for Networking, Education, Resources and Development—consists of three core elements: an educational component, interfacing with service providers and subject-matter experts, and networking.
The event kicks off with a sneak peek at the newest SEMA Garage, followed by a get-acquainted cocktail hour. On Wednesday, education sessions presented will dive into the complexities of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), emissions, diagnostics and simulation.
A series of one-on-one meetings with service providers and subject-matter experts is also on tap, and ETTN members will choose from a list of participants who will share their expertise on the technology behind emissions testing, ADAS calibration, intellectual property, machinery manufacturing, 3-D printing and more.
Networking opportunities will abound throughout. From the opening night cocktail hour to daily breakfasts and lunches to the Garage grand opening on Thursday evening, ETTN attendees will have multiple occasions to share ideas, talk shop and build meaningful, long-lasting connections
“This is truly a high-value event loaded with content and resources to help our members and their companies succeed,” said ETTN Chair Rob Simons. “We are excited to provide our members with exceptional educational, networking and career-growth opportunities.”
Future Leaders Network (FLN)
FLN Leadership Program Sharpens Skills
The Future Leaders Network (FLN; formerly the Young Executives Network) is committed to cultivating industry talent through education and networking by providing value-added resources and learning opportunities—which brings to mind the 14th-century English proverb, “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”
The saying still has significance in today’s world. How might it apply to FLN? Its members are aspiring young leaders intent on achieving a greater level of success. To help in their career-advancement journeys, the network recently partnered with the world-renowned Dale Carnegie training courses on a new program aimed at improving members’ individual and professional growth and development.
The two-day interactive professional development program was held at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, on March 24 and 25. Following a kickoff networking mixer the evening before, the program itself focused on mastering essential skills to nurture and grow personal and business capabilities. Core learnings included confidence building, sharpening communication skills, strengthening relationships and building rapport.
“It was one of the most valuable programs I’ve been part of,” said Ian Lehn, founder of BOOSTane and immediate past chair of the Emerging Trends & Technology Network. “It was two-pronged. It not only created camaraderie, which SEMA does well, but we also all walked away with some valuable tools. The course didn’t necessarily give me new tools, but it sharpened the tools I already have and showed me how to use them in different ways. That’s where the real value lies.”
“The program was very successful,” added FLN Chair Nick Caloroso. “We hope that it really catches on and can take place in other locations. We want people to see it as a value add and for SEMA-member businesses that value their employees to invest in their future by sending them to this program. It’s about planting the seeds to help our member achieve greater
success.”
Council & Network Leadership–Council Highlights
FLN’s Professional Development Program recently involved a partnership with world-renowned Dale Carnegie, the first of which was recently held at a two-day interactive program on March 24–25 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
HRIA Hails NHTSA Ruling, Champions Education Days
The announcement that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had finalized a regulation enabling replicar businesses to produce and market turnkey vehicles was met with enthusiasm by the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA).
“It’s definitely a legislative win,” said Marcy Yanus, SEMA council director on many legislative issues important to our industry is big. It reaffirms that these efforts in Washington are meaningful and pay off to the benefit of our industry and enthusiasts.”
The ruling was long overdue. The SEMA-led legislation, known as the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, passed into law in 2015 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. Under the law, small-volume automakers can market replicars that resemble vehicles produced at least 25 years ago. Annual production is limited to 325 replicars per manufacturer.
“SEMA applauds NHTSA’s final rule allowing companies to market classic-themed cars,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Daniel Ingber. “This is a hard-fought victory for enthusiasts, small-volume manufacturers and all who will be hired to fill new jobs.”
Engaging Members, Sharing Knowledge
HRIA kicked off an ambitious event schedule with a virtual membership meeting and a panel discussion moderated by Cool Hand Custom’s Amy Fitzgerald. The discussion, called “Preparing for the 2022 Car Show Season,” featured panelists Ben Tucker of Camaro Central; Kelle Oeste of V8 Speed & Resto Shop; and Jon Phillips of Advanced Clutch Technology.
A second virtual event moderated by Fitzgerald addressed the topic of “What’s a Hot Rod? The Answer May Surprise You.” Panelists included Jesse Henke of JH Restorations; Pete Filippo of Filippo Speed Shop; and Tim Strange of Strange Motion Rod & Custom. Another online session, “Hot Rod Trends: Looking Back & Looking Ahead,” is slated for September.
In June, HRIA will host an in-person membership meeting and mixer at Back to the Fifties in Minneapolis. Next stop: Louisville in August for HRIA’s flagship Education Days program at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals.
Launched in 2016, the program this year is a two-day event that is open to the public and includes 10 seminars. Five sessions will be presented daily. Topics run the gamut from wiring and gauges to brake and suspension systems to air conditioning, engines and power steering.
“Because thousands of enthusiasts attend the Nationals, it’s a great opportunity for members to share their expertise and build a rapport with end users,” Agosta said. “The sessions are so popular that we draw upward of 900 attendees. We’re extremely excited to present this year’s Education Days program. We’re expecting another record-breaking year.”
HRIA Education Days returns for 2022 on August 4–5 at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals.
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
MPMC Addresses Opportunities and Challenges
From the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference (MTC) to the RPM Act and the recent introduction of the SEMA Emissions Certification program, MPMC is focused on matters pertaining to its segment of the industry.
For the second consecutive year, the MTC was virtual rather than in-person. While the conference draws strong support from traditional print, video, TV and radio media, the online format has allowed for increased participation by lifestyle and social-media influencers.
In the lead-up to this year’s event, MPMC organized a webinar aimed at educating it members on the ins and outs of working with new media. The live session was presented by Driveshop.
“This may be new territory for our members,” said John Lambert, Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) chair-elect. “We wanted to give them an understanding of how influencers increase awareness, how to interface and set up relationships with influencers and the questions they should ask. It was very well received, a lot of interaction, and we’re excited to build on this going forward.”
John Lambert
Revving Up the RPM Act
To ensure that the performance industry can continue providing products used to modify street-certified vehicles into those used solely for racing, SEMA has been working with lawmakers to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. The act has strong congressional support but has yet to become law.
“The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has swung the pendulum too far,” Lambert said. “The overreach is so vast that it will have a negative impact on our industry. Last year, the SEMA PAC did a good job of setting up call times for SEMA members to talk to their Senate or House representatives. I had conversations with legislators and explained how the RPM Act will affect our industry and trickle down on local economies. It was eye-opening for them.”
MPMC members can help propel the RPM Act to the finish line. Ideas include posting info on social media, passing out flyers at motorsports events, or sending letters to lawmakers via www.saveourracecars.com.
“We are a passion-driven industry, and the EPA is trying to stop the expression of our passion for motorsports,” Lambert said. “We all need to support SEMA’s efforts to save our race cars.”
Certifying Emissions Compliance
SEMA recently introduced a new program that enables aftermarket parts manufacturers to meet the legal requirements for emissions compliance under the EPA Tampering Policy. SEMA Certified-Emissions (SC-E) gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria and is therefore legal in 49 states.
“The great thing about SEMA’s emissions-compliance program is that it makes it easy to achieve compliance,” Lambert said. “I have a lot of experience doing that for Hypertech and with the California Air Resources Board and SEMA, and it can be very challenging for a company that may not know where to start.
“SEMA stepping in with its own certification will take member companies through the process faster. If the EPA comes knocking, members will have everything they need to ensure that their products are in compliance. It’s a big deal and a great opportunity for SEMA members.”
Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
PRO Rolls Out SEMA PRO Auto Show Tour
Heads up, members of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)! The SEMA PRO Auto Show Tour may be coming to a city near you.
Across America, in cities large and small, auto-show organizers have long sought to elevate the in-person experience and ramp up excitement at their events. After all, more than 11 million consumers flock to new-car shows annually, with two out of three attendees planning to purchase a new vehicle within a year.
So what better way to spark consumer enthusiasm than with a firsthand look at a show-stopping array of customized rides. Now, thanks to a proposal crafted by the PRO Select Committee and approved by the SEMA Board of Directors, the council’s innovative car-show initiative will play a key role in building consumer awareness of the benefits of vehicle accessorization.
Aligning Objectives
PRO leadership kicked off the groundwork last year with a presentation to 62 auto-show executives at the Auto Shows of North America (ASNA) Summit. The presentation focused on the benefits of restylers displaying customized vehicles in their respective markets and how these exhibits inspire consumer engagement. ASNA members responded favorably, agreeing to provide complimentary exhibit space along with exhibit-related services.
“PRO Chair Josh Poulson, Chair-Elect Colby McLaughlin and Immediate Past Chair Dino Perfetti did great work when they met with ASNA,” noted Ron Leslie, who chairs the council’s Auto Show Subcommittee. “The auto-show people said this would be an awesome way to promote their shows and bring in more excitement.”
Moving forward, PRO’s objectives aligned neatly with several SEMA Board priorities. At each event, for instance, industry-related consumer issues will be promoted, including awareness of legislative issues such as the RPM Act, youth engagement and career opportunities. The exhibit will also help to promote the automotive lifestyle, raise PRO’s profile and build brand awareness of SEMA and the SEMA Show.
“It’s a perfect marriage of the SEMA Board wanting to reach the consumer market and what we could do as PRO members,” Leslie said.
Hitting the Road
The SEMA PRO Auto Show Tour will kick off at the Denver Auto Show in September. Other likely destinations include Seattle, Charlotte, St. Louis, Austin or Tulsa, Dallas and Columbus, Ohio.
The exhibit will feature a specially designed, high-profile SEMA booth. The display will occupy at least 3,000 sq. ft., providing ample space to showcase vehicle builds and promote awareness of the restyling segment.
As PRO finalizes the show schedule, member restylers in target markets will be invited to feature vehicle builds to help educate consumers about the restyling market and how new vehicles can be transformed.
“We’ve had great success with the PRO Cup Challenge, so we’ve merged the ASNA opportunity with the idea of taking the Challenge concept to regional shows,” Leslie said. “We plan to work with restylers in each market to execute the display, to rebuild some of the award-winning Challenge vehicles and build some vehicles that are market-appropriate. It’s a great way to reach consumers nationally, to reach dealers in a more professional way and build real value for our members. SEMA made a huge investment to bring this about, and we are thrilled to bring the excitement of the SEMA Show and PRO to these shows.”
The SEMA PRO Auto Show Tour will kick off at the Denver Auto Show. Shown here is a sampling of the Automotive Concepts exhibit at last year’s show in Minneapolis, which was featured in PRO’s presentation to ASNA.
The auto-show people said this would be an awesome way to promote their shows and bring in more excitement.
—Ron Leslie
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
SBN Forum Presents Pathways of Opportunity
Women bring a lot of pluses to a workplace environment—empathy for co-workers, a team-oriented mindset, and a variety of communication styles, to name a few—that can be beneficial in any industry, especially one that is traditionally male-dominated. To help women employed in the automotive specialty-equipment industry advance their careers, sharpen leadership skills and amplify their voices within their companies and the industry, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network hosted its inaugural SBN Women’s Leadership Forum in March at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California.
Participants of the Women’s Leadership Forum in March at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California, joined together for education and networking.
The three-day, in-person event focused on providing industry women with opportunities to improve skill sets through education, mentorship, group discussions and networking. To this end, SBN’s Leadership Forum Task Force assembled an impressive roster of immersive and interactive sessions presented by sought-after independent and Dale Carnegie-affiliated speakers, all of whom were women.
The first day kicked off with a keynote titled “Creating Your Community and Finding Inspiration.” An interactive session, “Overcoming, Surviving and Thriving,” was followed by two breakout tracks presented by Dale Carnegie—one centered on personal development, the other on leadership. Other topics covered during the event included “Creating a Culture of Fun,” “The Art of Executive Presence: A Woman’s Guide to Amplifying Your Career,” and concluded with a keynote session, “Pulling it all Together in a Bow.”
“The whole event was inspiring and uplifting,” said SBN Chair Cathy Clark. “We wanted to create an intimate event where women would not only learn and be exposed to new ideas but also feel safe and comfortable to help build a sense of sisterhood. The intimate atmosphere at the hotel created a perfect environment for that through networking.
“Our mission is to help women in our industry develop relationships, develop their skills, advance their careers and to stay in the industry. We want them to build their careers working for SEMA-member companies and to remain part of the SEMA community. I look forward to doing whatever it takes to make that happen, because it was a really great event.”
Cathy Clark
SEMA Council Director Nicole Bradle, staff liaison to SBN, echoed Clark’s
comments.
“It was mind-blowing and very moving to be with women from different levels in the industry, to see their ability to break down their thoughts, look at what they’re doing and try to improve their skills and abilities,” Bradle said. “SEMA is still a male-dominated industry. For these women to find other women they could talk to, work with, learn from and build each other up will help get more women into the field and help the industry
overall.”
Participants of the Women’s Leadership Forum in March at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California, joined together for education and networking.
“We wanted to create an intimate event where women would not only learn and be exposed to new ideas but also feel safe and comfortable to help build a sense of sisterhood.”
—Cathy Clark, SBN Chair
Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
TORA Mingles With Members, Promotes Feature Vehicle Participation
The Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) recently co-hosted successful cross-council/network mixers. At the Keystone Big Show, TORA teamed with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), the Professional Restylers Organization and the Wheel & Tire Council. During the Easter Jeep Safari, TORA hosted a day of off-roading with a “Behind the Rocks Tip-Toe Trail” run, followed by a mixer in conjunction with SBN.
“We always get a good turnout,” said Chair Troy Wirtz. “It’s a great opportunity to bring our community together.”
Builder Growth Opportunities
Imagine the thrill of seeing your accessorized truck or off-road vehicle at the 2022 SEMA Show. If your company is a TORA member, the council is seeking builder participants for its Feature Vehicle Program.
The program has long been a council mainstay. The exhibit features six vehicles—five positioned outside the West Hall and one in the TORA booth. Eligibility centers on specific categories, including diesel, off-road, Jeep, lowered, lifted, overland or UTV. Candidates must apply and pay a feature vehicle fee of $1,500, of which $500 is donated to SEMA Cares.
According to Wirtz, TORA aims to raise awareness of the program and highlight the value of participation while securing a mix of vehicles emblematic of the truck and off-road segment.
“We need to bring more attention to the program, and we encourage more people to submit applications,” he said. “It’s more than just four days at the SEMA Show. For builders, the recognition, having their vehicles displayed and the networking creates enormous opportunities.”
Seth Ravndal concurred. His company, Blacklake Research and Development, displayed a Silverado 1500 in the lifted/off-road category last year.
“Being chosen as a feature vehicle was a great compliment and endorsement of our company and its capabilities, and it was a great opportunity to showcase this segment of the market,” he said. “The increased exposure helped us engage and build relationships with many peer companies, potential suppliers and customers. If it fits your company’s marketing strategy, it’s a no-brainer.”
“It’s a thrill and an honor to have a vehicle at the SEMA Show,” added Seth Gortenburg, co-owner of Defco, which built two lifted Ford trucks (an F-250 and an F-450) made for street and towing. “Besides the invaluable exposure, we received many leads from potential customers. We met current and potential vendors and established new
relationships.
“The aftermarket is all about networking. When you have a feature vehicle at the SEMA Show, you have the opportunity to showcase your talents. It’s not just bragging rights. It’s a truly unique opportunity to grow your business.”
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)
WTC Webinars Deliver Value
Since the start of the pandemic, online learning has taken on a more important role. As many organizations adapt to an evolving workforce environment, virtual education is an effective way to deliver information and knowledge to a wide audience and keep colleagues connected, no matter where they may be.
This is true for the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), which has made virtual education a top priority and last year experienced success with its webinar tracks for tire and wheel professionals. Beginning in February of this year, WTC launched a new webinar series. The sessions are live and run monthly through September.
The new series, “Wheel and Tire Insights, Powered by WTC,” is targeted specifically to wheel and tire manufacturers, equipment suppliers, dealers, retailers and service providers. Each session targets a specific topic and is presented by industry experts sharing insights into issues relevant to the wheel and tire segment.
The first webinar, for instance, centered around the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act and the impact on the wheel and tire segment if street-certified vehicles cannot be modified for racing. Presenters included Tire Rack’s John Rastetter; Garry Ruede of Discount Tire; Eric Snyder, SEMA director of congressional affairs; and Ryan Fuller of Standards Testing Lab. During the webinar, they shared their knowledge of the issue and how the Environmental Protection Agency ruling would jeopardize future sales of race wheels and tires.
The March webinar, “PAC Membership From a WTC Membership Perspective,” was presented by SEMA Director of Government Affairs Christian Robinson and John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Performance, chair of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC). During the session, they explained how the SEMA PAC helps to ensure that elected officials support the aftermarket industry. They also talked about the importance of the new SEMA Individual Membership and how WTC members can work with elected officials.
Future webinars will tackle other topics. Among them: “Building Your Business Through Profit Sharing,” “Future of Wheels and Tires in Five, 10, 20 Years,” and “Staffing, Training, Retainment of Tire Shop Employees.”
From WTC’s perspective, the sessions are a valuable member benefit.
“We want to help our members become stronger in their end of the business in our industry,” said Chair Todd Steen. “We’re not here to tell them how to modify autonomous vehicles. We want our members to understand what’s coming down the pike and to see the challenges and opportunities and be their education resource. I can think of no better way to bring value to our members than by helping them with their businesses through education.”
Easter Jeep Safari cross-council networking event with the Truck & Off-Road Alliance and SEMA Businesswomen’s Network.
Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) announced that Ray Polentz was promoted to senior director of supply chain and logistics. He will report to Yokohama President and CEO Jeff Barna. Polentz, who works out of YTC headquarters in Santa Ana, California, joined Yokohama in October 2017 as regional distribution center manager. He was promoted to director of distribution operations in July 2018. Before joining Yokohama, Polentz had more than 15 years of supply chain and logistics experience. He previously held senior positions at JCPenney as well as Stein Mart in both operational and transportation roles.
Hyundai Motorsport announced a change to its senior management, with Sean (Seon-Pyung) Kim taking over the role of president. He replaces outgoing President Scott Noh, who is set to take up a new position at Hyundai Motor Company in Korea. During Noh’s tenure, Hyundai Motorsport secured consecutive world titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (2019 and 2020) and the FIA World Touring Car Cup (2018 and 2019).
World Products appointed Lance Stillwell as its director of operations. Stillwell will oversee the development and manufacturing of World Products’ engine blocks and cylinder heads. In 1997, Stillwell founded parts provider and engine builder Motorsports Unlimited in Terre Haute, Indiana. Today, he has more than 25 years of engine machining experience and in-depth knowledge of World Products’ product line, the company stated.
Bri Lynch
Brooke Berini
Kyle Kuhnhausen
Garrett Reed
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)
Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)
Future Leaders Network (FLN)
Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)
Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)
Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)